The location of the event also is notable given McConnell's avid support of University of Louisville athletics. Kentucky and Louisville are bitter men's basketball rivals, with Louisville being the reigning national champions. Kentucky last won a title in 2012.

The McConnell campaign would not confirm how many attendees would be at the event nor how much money was slated to be raised, but the locker room facilities are quite spacious and received a $3.1 million upgrade funded by private donors in 2012.